Does this plant need a specific season to bloom?

Yes, it typically blooms from late spring through the first frost. It needs the warmth and long days of summer to put on a show.

Will pruning help it flower more?

Light pruning of the tips can encourage branching, which creates more sites for flowers to form. Do not prune too heavily, or you will remove the potential buds.

Why is my purple bell vine not flowering? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Assess the amount of direct sun the plant receives daily.
Check the fertilizer label for the nitrogen content.
Inspect the plant for any signs of pest stress.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The vine looks leggy with long spaces between leaves and the foliage is a pale green. It is not receiving the bright light it needs to trigger bloom production.
What to do: Move the container to a spot that receives at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light or full sun. If growing indoors, place it directly in a south or west facing window.
Excess nitrogen fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: The plant has lush, dark green foliage but absolutely no flower buds. This happens when the plant is pushed to grow leaves instead of flowers.
What to do: Switch to a fertilizer with a higher middle number, such as a 10-30-20 formula. Apply this diluted to half strength every 2 weeks during the growing season.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your purple bell vine

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for young plants to focus on vining before they start blooming. Worry only if the plant is mature and has had consistent light for months without a single bell appearing.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent bright light and use a bloom boosting fertilizer throughout the summer months.

Purple bell vine: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your purple bell vine and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Does this plant need a specific season to bloom?: Yes, it typically blooms from late spring through the first frost. It needs the warmth and long days of summer to put on a show.
Will pruning help it flower more?: Light pruning of the tips can encourage branching, which creates more sites for flowers to form. Do not prune too heavily, or you will remove the potential buds.

Why is my purple bell vine not flowering?